Insulating between floors in a home can offer both heat and sound insulation. In fact, it’s one of the quickest payback projects in terms of energy savings. In addition, acoustic floor insulation also helps create a quieter home environment.

There are many different types of insulation between floors available and each type has its own unique advantages. For example, fiberglass and cellulose are great options for homeowners looking for a cost-effective solution. However, if you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your insulation choices, there are many recycled and eco-friendly products available as well.

Depending on the insulation type you choose, it’s important to consider whether or not a vapor barrier is needed as well. This is particularly true for crawlspaces where moisture resistance is a must.

Insulation Between Floors: Managing Temperature Variations

In most cases, it is best to use a fibrous insulation such as sheep’s wool or fibreglass between the floor joists. This will help to take up any movement in the timber floor joists and will minimise ‘thermal bypass’ – where warm air can move through your home underneath the insulation.

For concrete floors, it is possible to insulate the ground floor by laying a new layer of EPS (expanded polystyrene) sheet insulation. This should be covered with chipboard plus your chosen floor covering. This is a job for a professional builder and should be carried out prior to plastering. It is also likely that a vapor barrier will be required to prevent moisture entering the concrete.